PATROCINIO, Brazil – In a significant step for the coffee industry, the Cerrado Coffee Growers’ Cooperative (Expocacer) has launched its own international protocol, called ECO (Expocacer Control Origin), which will offer coffee producers a self-verification system for compliance with sustainable ESG practices. This new system guarantees that the coffee produced meets the rigorous standards required by both national and international markets.
The recognition was granted by the Global Coffee Platform (GCP), which is equivalent to the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code, ensuring a robust second-party guarantee.
“This is a major milestone for us. This increases the transparency and credibility of our processes. For our members, it means greater access to demanding markets that value sustainable practices. Our sustainability department will support farmers through training and resources to help them adopt and verify these practices, strengthening our entire supply chain,” said Farlla Gomes, Technical and Sustainability Manager at Expocacer.
Certification process
The certification process involves internal audits conducted by the cooperative’s sustainability department, as well as second-party audits. The results of these audits are publicly disclosed in an ESG report, ensuring complete transparency.
With a three-year cycle, the program prioritizes strategic planning and the gradual implementation of best practices, fostering a sustainable journey that elevates the standards of origin-certified coffee production. The protocol is inclusive, catering to producers of all sizes—small, medium, and large—ensuring that every farmer has the tools that they need to produce top-quality coffee.
“The ECO protocol highlights the best practices and progress in sustainable farming among producers in the Cerrado Mineiro region, focusing on continuous improvement and trust through second-party audits. With this self-designed protocol, we ensure that our members and the cooperative promote innovative coffee farming, creating positive impact and delivering tangible results,” said Jorge Luiz de Carvalho Leite, Certification and Sustainability Agent at Expocacer.
The protocol is based on critical sustainability requirements, creating a solid foundation for progress. Since 2023, Expocacer has been implementing the ECO guidelines, aiming to verify 100% of its members and partner warehouses.
Sustainability commitment
These and other practices promoted by the cooperative not only add value to the coffee but also ensure that coffee production in the Cerrado Mineiro region meets the standards of the most demanding global markets. Through its Technical and Sustainability Department, Expocacer already covers over 15,000 hectares of regenerative certified farms.
Developed by Expocacer’s sustainability department in partnership with Agrocert LTDA—a company with over 20 years of experience in certifications—the ECO protocol aligns with GCP’s guidelines. It connects Expocacer to more than 150 companies and organizations across 10 coffee-producing countries, all working toward a sustainable future for the coffee sector.
With this achievement, Expocacer gains the autonomy to verify its producers that meets international standards, reaffirming its commitment to adopting best global practices, promoting transparency and social responsible.
“This is another important step in our journey toward transparency and responsibility across the entire production chain. At Expocacer, ESG is not just a project—it’s a principle embedded in our cooperative DNA. We work to integrate actions that respect the environment, promote community well-being, and ensure ethical governance with radical transparency. This protocol reflects our commitment to real sustainability, demonstrating that we are building a fairer and more equitable future” said Simão Pedro de Lima, says Simão Pedro de Lima, Executive President of Expocacer.
About Expocacer
Established in 1993 and located in Patrocínio/MG, the Cerrado Coffee Growers’ Cooperative (Expocacer) promotes coffee quality and the work of its members in Brazil and around the world through significant socio-environmental initiatives and contributions to the regional economy. The cooperative’s infrastructure includes two warehouses with a capacity for over 1 million bags. Currently, they work with 700 producers, exporting to more than 30 countries across 5 continents.
